Cowboys injury report: Fiammetta out, Kitna doubtful

With Felix Jones set to return after missing four games with an ankle injury, the Dallas Cowboys entered the week hopeful they would have a full complement of backfield weapons available Sunday at Washington.

But it turns out that won’t be the case after all: The Cowboys ruled fullback Tony Fiammetta out with an illness Friday.

“We’re trying to get to the bottom of what it is,” coach Jason Garrett said in Irving. “He’s been sick all week long.”

Fiammetta’s crushing blocks helped paved the way for DeMarco Murray’s record-setting surge. Over the last four games, the rookie has 601 rushing yards as the Cowboys have averaged 177.0 yards on the ground during that span.

Dallas could call up rookie fullback Shaun Chapas from the practice squad, a move that would require the team to cut another player from the 53-man roster. Another option is to go with tight end John Phillips as the fullback.

“Chapas is certainly someone we’re considering,” Garrett said. “John Phillips has the versatility to play some of that stuff.”

Garrett said it’s too early to talk about Fiammetta’s status for the Thanksgiving Day game against Miami.

The Cowboys also ruled receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) and cornerback Mike Jenkins (hamstring) out for a second straight game. No. 2 quarterback Jon Kitna is doubtful with a back injury, meaning Texas A&M alum Stephen McGee could back up Tony Romo after being inactive four of the previous five games.

“It’s life in the NFL as a backup quarterback,” McGee told reporters in Irving. “Opportunities are random. You never know when they’re going to come, how they’re going to come, what the situation is or where it’s going to be. You’ve just got to go about your business the same way.”

Jones and right guard Kyle Kosier (foot) are questionable.

ROMO TO CONTINUE TO HOLD: The nerve problem in Mat McBriar’s left foot won’t prevent him from punting, but the Cowboys don’t want him holding for field goals and extra points while he’s hurting.

That means Romo, whose fractured rib is healed, will continue as the holder in Sunday’s game.

“We just think for now it’s the best thing for Mat to not have to hold,” Garrett said. “Tony has done it in the past and has a comfort level doing it and the kicker has a comfort level of Tony doing it, so it’s the best option for us right now.”